Zingy Joy of Cooking Chili Con Carne Recipe

Simmering with bold Texas-style chili con carne, this recipe erupts with mouthwatering intensity and flavor complexity.

Robust spices weave a culinary tapestry that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Generations of home cooks have celebrated this hearty dish as a comfort food champion.

Tender meat mingles with vibrant seasonings, creating a sensory experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Each carefully crafted bite tells a story of culinary tradition and passion.

Muscular and unapologetic, this chili represents more than just a meal, it’s a celebration of bold flavors and cultural heritage.

Unleash a recipe that will make dinner guests swoon and crave seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Spiced Chili Con Carne

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, ensuring it's fresh and has a bright red color.
• Kidney Beans: Select firm, smooth beans without cracks or blemishes, rinsed thoroughly to reduce sodium.

• Onions, Green Pepper: Pick firm, heavy onions with no soft spots and crisp green peppers with vibrant color and smooth skin.
• Garlic: Look for plump, compact bulbs with tight, unbroken skin and no sprouting.

• Dried Oregano, Chili Powder, Ground Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper: Choose fresh, fragrant spices from reputable brands, checking for rich color and strong aroma.
• Salt, Beef Bouillon: Opt for low-sodium options to control overall dish saltiness.

• Diced Tomatoes, Water: Select high-quality canned tomatoes with no added preservatives and use clean, filtered water for best flavor.

Tools to Cook Robust Chili Con Carne

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for browning meat and simmering chili.
• Wooden spoon: Great for breaking up beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for chopping onions, garlic, and green peppers.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess fat from ground beef.
• Measuring cup: Ensures precise water measurement for liquid base.
• Lid: Covers Dutch oven during slow simmering process.

Chili Cooking Instructions with Beef

• Brown Meat Perfectly

Heat a large pot and transform ground beef into delicious crumbles. Cook until meat turns from pink to rich brown, breaking it into small pieces. Drain away extra fat to keep your chili lean and tasty.

• Awaken Flavor Foundations

Toss chopped onions into the same pot, letting them dance and soften. Sprinkle minced garlic and watch it release its aromatic magic. Stir in a symphony of spices like oregano, cinnamon, and chili powder to create a flavor explosion that will make taste buds sing.

• Build Hearty Chili Base

Return the cooked meat to the pot and pour in diced tomatoes and water. Let everything mingle and bubble, creating a robust blend of ingredients. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let the chili simmer slowly.

• Develop Deep Deliciousness

Cover the pot and let the chili melt together for about an hour. This slow cooking process allows spices to blend and flavors to intensify. Gently stir in kidney beans near the end, warming them through and adding a creamy texture to your ultimate comfort meal.

Spice Level Tips and Chili Variations

Discover exciting ways to elevate and personalize this hearty dish.

Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner protein option that keeps the flavor intense and satisfying.

Adjust the heat level by increasing cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños for extra kick. For milder preferences, reduce spicy ingredients or use mild chili powder.

Experiment with different bean varieties like black beans, pinto beans, or a mixed bean medley to add texture and nutritional variety. Drain and rinse canned beans for a cleaner taste and reduced sodium content.

Serve with classic garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or crushed tortilla chips. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten the entire dish and add a zesty finish.

How to Serve Chili Con Carne

• Serve Over Rice: Ladle the hearty chili atop fluffy white or brown rice for a satisfying and filling meal that stretches your dish further.
• Top With Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, diced green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to add bright, cool contrast to the spicy chili.
• Pair With Cornbread: Bake a batch of warm, slightly sweet cornbread to soak up the rich chili sauce and complement the robust flavors of the dish.
• Create Chili Nachos: Transform leftovers into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by spooning the chili over crispy tortilla chips and adding melted cheese and jalapeños.

Storing and Reheating Chili Leftovers

• Maximize Meal Prep: Double the chili recipe and portion into meal-sized containers for quick future dinners. Freezing makes weeknight meals a breeze.
• Refrigerator Storage: Keep leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving all the delicious spices and hearty goodness.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and restore the chili's rich, comforting consistency. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems too thick during reheating.

Hearty Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty chili con carne delivers a robust Mexican-inspired feast packed with rich ground beef, smoky spices, and deep flavor profiles. Comforting layers of beans, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings invite warmth and satisfaction in each satisfying spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb (907 g) ground beef
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 3 tsps beef bouillon granules
• 2 cans (14-½ oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (237 ml) water
• 1 can (16 oz or 454 g) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1–½ tsps salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• sour cream (optional)
• jalapeno slices (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat, crumbling thoroughly until completely cooked. Remove beef, reserving the flavorful fond in the pot.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions until translucent, then quickly introduce garlic, stirring to release their fragrant essences without scorching. Incorporate all spices – oregano, cayenne, cinnamon, chili powder, and beef bouillon – allowing them to bloom and intensify.
3. Vegetable Integration: Add green bell peppers to the spice mixture, creating a robust foundation. Reintroduce the cooked beef, mixing seamlessly with the aromatic vegetables and spice blend.
4. Liquid Infusion: Pour in diced tomatoes and water, stirring to combine all elements. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, creating a rich, deeply flavored environment.
5. Slow Transformation: Cover the pot and allow the chili to simmer for approximately one hour, periodically checking liquid levels. During the final 10 minutes, fold in kidney beans, enabling them to absorb the complex flavor profile without becoming mushy.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove from heat and let the chili rest, allowing flavors to meld. Optionally crown with fresh jalapeños and a luxurious dollop of sour cream before serving.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors and prevent watery chili texture.
• Spice Balancing Strategy: Toast spices briefly to enhance their aromatic compounds and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Bean Adding Technique: Introduce kidney beans late in cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy and maintain their ideal texture.
• Resting Period Importance: Allow chili to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and settle, resulting in a more harmonious taste experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg